Via artincontext.org:
Encaustics, or wax painting, describes an artistic painting technique. Here, special encaustic wax colors are heated with a painting iron and applied to the painting surface. These wax colors can then be worked on with different tools such as a sponge in order to achieve beautiful effects.
Encaustics and Photo Papers
How do inkjet photo papers and the encaustic technique go together? According to Red River Paper Pro Jill Skupin Burkholder:
"After the computer editing is complete, my prints are output on Red River Polar Matte paper using an Epson 9900 inkjet printer and then attached to a wooden birch frame. The image is enhanced with charcoal and other artistic materials such as pastels and graphite. Hot encaustic medium (beeswax) is layered onto the surface and fused with a heat gun. More layers are added until the piece has its finished look. I use Red River paper because most other inkjet fine art papers will not accept hot wax properly. If an inkjet paper resists the wax, the final art piece will be unstable and flawed. Red River is the first paper I found that delivers consistent results."
Best Paper Photo Paper for Encaustic Wax Projects
Polar Matte 230
Polar Matte is our top-selling photo matte, known for its bright white tone, smooth surface, and reliable professional results.
- Paper Tone: Bright White
- Paper Weight: 230 gsm / 60 lb.
- Thickness: 10 mil
- Reverse Side: Plain paper
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Last updated: December 26, 2025
